Crowd Gathers Exuberantly: Juneteenth Marketplace & Art in the Park Festival Draws Hundreds to Malcolm X Park
In the heart of Philadelphia, the annual Juneteenth Marketplace & Art in the Park event transformed Malcolm X Park into a vibrant hub of creativity and commerce. This yearly gathering brought together a diverse array of local small businesses, artists, and vendors, showcasing an eclectic mix of unique art, handmade pottery, jewelry, pastries, and creative goods[1][3].
Among the participants was 26-year-old designer Deana Lucas, who showcased her African-inspired clothing and accessories booth. Lucas, hailing from Philadelphia, travels across the world, particularly to Ghana, to obtain her colorful fabrics and find inspiration for her mission to provide authentic and affordable apparel and accessories, focusing on African print colors and bright hues[2].
Nicole Rayfield, owner of the nail polish brand Polish Me Unbothered, also joined the event from Wilmington. Her brand offers a wide range of nail polish colors, each cleverly named, and Rayfield participated to celebrate culture and the entrepreneurial spirit inspired by Juneteenth[1][3].
Events like this typically include live music, vendor booths, art displays, family activities, wellness sessions, and community engagement opportunities. Despite an extreme heat warning, vendors, community members, and live music filled the park, creating a festive yet meaningful atmosphere[1][3].
For many, the significance of Juneteenth is deeply tied to themes of freedom, recognition, cultural pride, and resilience. Vendors and attendees often view Juneteenth as a celebration of liberation from slavery, as well as a reminder of ongoing efforts toward equality and visibility. Nicole Rayfield described Juneteenth as representing the universal desire for freedom and feeling seen, mirrored in her mission to uplift and encourage others through her business[1].
Jim Schroder, a Philadelphia resident and teacher, and his family have been attending the festival for years. Schroder appreciates the festival for being held for so long, while Octavia Geiger, a policy analyst, attended with friends, appreciating the gathering of local businesses and community members[2].
Geiger recognizes the event as a time to reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery and reckoning with America's history over the past 500 years. The Schroder family was among the hundreds of people who attended the festival, enjoying music, shopping, food trucks, and educational panels[2].
Rayfield started her business in response to feeling tired and invisible in toxic workplaces. Her business mission is to uplift and encourage all women and people, to make them feel seen and celebrated. Lucas encourages attendees to express themselves at the festival, celebrating the significance of Juneteenth and the spirit of unity and empowerment it represents[2].
This combination of commerce, culture, and commemoration helps create powerful, joyful experiences for those involved in these annual Juneteenth celebrations. The festival provides great opportunities for families, with a variety of kids programming making it easy for families to enjoy[2].
Juneteenth events continued across Philadelphia on Sunday, including the Juneteenth Parade & Festival, Jubilee at Bartram's Garden, JAWNTEENTH: A Juneteenth and Pride Celebration, and the 2025 Phoenixville Juneteenth Celebration[2]. These events serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of freedom, resilience, and community that Juneteenth represents, and the continued efforts towards equality and recognition for all.
[1] Source: Philadelphia Inquirer [2] Source: Philly Voice [3] Source: The Philadelphia Tribune
In the realm of lifestyle, Deana Lucas, a local designer, showcased her African-inspired fashion-and-beauty line at the Juneteenth Marketplace & Art in the Park event, incorporating home-and-garden elements into her booth with the vibrant and colorful fabrics she'd sourced from her travels. Nicole Rayfield,owner of the nail polish brand Polish Me Unbothered, also participated in the event, promoting her fashion-and-beauty products while celebrating the cultural significance and the entrepreneurial spirit inspired by Juneteenth.
